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National Communication Expert

saudi arabia

  • Organization: FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
  • Location: saudi arabia
  • Grade: Consultancy - Consultant - Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Communication and Public Information
  • Closing Date: 2025-03-11

IMPORTANT NOTICE\: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

  • FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
  • Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
  • Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
  • FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
  • All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
  • All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.


Organizational Setting

The Programme Management Unit (PMU) of the FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025) facilitates, coordinates and manages all technical and advisory services to be provided by FAO to the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MoEWA). The project “UTF/SAU/051/SAU Strengthening MoEWA’s Capacity to Implement the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Programme” is the first project that has been approved within the framework of FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025). The project will provide technical and advisory assistance to the MoEWA in implementing its flagship sustainable rural agricultural development programme that has recently been approved within the context of the National Transformation Programme of the Saudi Vision 2030. The project expected results will be achieved through implementation of nine project components\: 1) Development of coffee Arabica production, processing and marketing; 2) Development of beekeeping and honey production; 3) Development of rose production and trade; 4) Development of sub-tropical fruits production, processing and marketing; 5) Strengthening capacity of small-scale fishermen and fish farmers; 6) Strengthening capacity of small-scale livestock herders; 7) Development of rainfed cereals production; 8) Enhancing value addition from smallholdings and rural activities; and 9) Strengthening MoEWA’s capacity in sustainable management of rangelands, forests and natural resources to support rural livelihoods. An overall plan and budget is developed and approved, including activities and outputs that are expected to be accomplished under each component. Requirements for international technical expertise of each component have been identified. In order to ensure a coordinated, smooth, timely and successful implementation of the project, long-term competent international technical advisors are appointed as Component Managers to each of the nine components. Each Component Manager is supported by a team of international consultants and experts who are technical specialists in the subject matters of the various outputs and activities.


Reporting Lines

The National Communication Expert will report to the Technical Advisor under the overall guidance of the National Component Manager- Natural Resources Management in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.


Technical Focus

The National Communication Expert will contribute to the implementation of the output 6 of the project component on “Strengthening MoEWA’s capacity in sustainable management of rangelands, forests and natural resources to support rural livelihoods”. He/she will be responsible for development of comprehensive communication and outreach strategies and plans for natural resources management in KSA. The expert will play a vital role in facilitating the dissemination of information and knowledge on sustainable land management practices and enhancing public environmental and natural resource conservation awareness in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.


Tasks and responsibilities

In close collaborations with the Regional Communication and Knowledge Management Officer in RNE, and Regional Communications Network coordinators, the incumbent will directly seek, in liaison with the country teams, to fulfil the following tasks\:

• Work closely with FAO-NRM team, NCVC and other project stakeholders to identify communication needs and develop targeted communication materials.
• Collaborate with FAO-NRM team and other project stakeholders and media outlets to develop and implement a comprehensive communication and outreach plan with clear objectives aiming at disseminating and enhancing public awareness and understanding of environmental sustainability and natural resource management and conservation.
• Craft concise, clear, and action-oriented key messages and select appropriate communication channels, including traditional media, digital platforms, community events, workshops, and partnerships and ensure consistency in messaging and branding across all communication channels.
• Collaborate with graphic designers, videographers, and content creators to produce visually engaging materials such as infographics, videos, and animations to communicate key messages effectively.
• Identify key target audiences, including governmental institutions, local communities, schools, businesses, policymakers, and specific user groups and establish a reliable network of environmental-related associations and NGOs for collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Create and disseminate engaging and informative content through various channels, including websites, social media platforms, press releases, newsletters, and reports. Regularly update this content to keep it relevant and timely.
• Coordinate with the National Centre for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification (NCVC) to ensure alignment of communication activities and ensure content is accessible, culturally sensitive, and tailored to different audience segments.
• Facilitate communication within the project team and between project partners to ensure seamless information sharing and alignment of objectives
• Plan and organize diverse outreach activities, including workshops, seminars, field trips, in close collaboration with NRM team and NCVC. Tailor activities to the areas of work/interests of NCVC to ensure engagement.
• Adapt communication materials to local languages, cultural contexts, and regional preferences to ensure inclusivity and relevance
• Set up mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication and outreach efforts, use metrics such as website traffic, social media engagement, event attendance, and surveys to measure reach, impact, and feedback.
• Stay informed about emerging trends and new communication technologies to adapt strategies as needed.
• Oversee and support ongoing awareness initiatives and campaigns related to natural resources and the environment.
• Collaborate with relevant organizations and stakeholders to align communication efforts with global and local campaigns.
• Develop and implement country-level awareness initiatives tailored to the context of Saudi Arabia and collaborate with NCVC, and community organizations to enhance the effectiveness and reach of these campaigns.
• Coordinate activities related to international or United Nations (UN) days focusing on natural resources and the environment.
• Plan and execute awareness-raising activities, engage stakeholders, and align initiatives with global observances.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of communication activities and provide regular reports to project management.

FAO Standards and guidelines\:
• Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
• All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including\:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31\: https\://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en
FAO social media policy and guidelines\: https\://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia
Social Media Branding Guidelines\: https\://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en
FAOSTYLE https\://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en
FAO terminology http\://www.fao.org/faoterm
FAO Names of Countries https\://www.fao.org/nocs/en   
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).
• Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING


Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Communication, Journalism or a related field.
• At least five years of relevant experience in corporate communications, public information, journalism, or international relations. Professional experience in working with the food security sector would be considered an asset.
• Working Knowledge (level C) of the Arabic language and limited knowledge (level B) of English
• National of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.


FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement


Technical/Functional Skills

• Hands-on experience in developing and implementing communication and visibility strategies and plans in the field of development.
• Press release writing, project visibility, outreach and presentation delivery skills.
• Experience with producing video and photo materials.
• Good understanding of agriculture-related issues.
• Experience of working with local and international media.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
  • Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
  • Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http\://www.whed.net/
  • For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website\: http\://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
  • Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance\: https\://fao.service-now.com/csp

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT

We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.